Cape of Good Hope overnight

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A day and a half of hiking in the stunning Cape Point Nature Reserve, including an unforgettable night in a remote beach cottage in the reserve. 

The picturesque coastal scenery and indigenous flora and fauna are the highlights of this 2-day trip. We include the usual suspects in the touring itinerary while hiking the trails. We include a stop at the Boulders penguin colony en route to or from the reserve. In addition, we visit the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope.

The highlight is no doubt spending a night in a remote cottage located right on the beach. Our stay makes possible sightings of baboon, Cape mountain zebra, eland, bontebok, red hartebeest, ostrich and Cape clawless otter. During the winter months (July to November), we may spot southern right whales off the coast.

The trip is ideal for guests who enjoy and are familiar with hiking in nature. It’s ultimately an extended, slow, immersive peninsula tour, with the opportunity to do additional exploring along the way.

1 night
On request
12

Highlights

Cape Peninsula
Enjoy sweeping views across mountains and bays
Boulders penguin colony
Check off a Cape Town bucket list visit
Cape of Good Hope
Stand on the edge of the continent
Fynbos
Hike in the Cape Floral Kingdom

Experiences

Day One

Cape of Good Hope Reserve

Early departure from Cape Town

Visit to Kalk Bay harbour and the Boulders penguin colony, continuing to the Cape Point Reserve.

Visit the Cape Point lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope, followed by lunch in the reserve.

The afternoon is spent exploring on foot as we make our way towards  Olifantsbos in the remote northern section of the reserve.

We check into our beach cottage in the afternoon before exploring the coastline.

Toast the sunset from the deck before enjoying a traditional South African BBQ prepared by the guide.

Day Two

Cape of Good Hope Reserve

We’re awake early with freshly-made coffee, to try to catch a glimpse of the Cape clawless otter.

After a leisurely breakfast, we head out onto the beach to explore the nearby shipwrecks.

Heading inland from the beach, we pass through a surreal landscape crafted by the notorious Cape south east winds. There is a good chance of spotting bontebok, mountain zebra, eland and red hartebeest.

We finish our hike back at the entrance to the reserve.

Continue to Scarborough for a café lunch before continuing our way along the coast, taking in the scenery around Kommetjie.

We stop to shop for local crafts or great home-made ice-cream or pastries in Noordhoek, with the final stretch along Chapmans Peak Drive on the return to the city.

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!
L to R: Thomas T Tucker shipwreck; Boulders penguin colony; Hiking in the Cape Point Reserve
Boulders beach penguins
  • TRIP PRICE

    Please contact your DMC for updated rates

    If you are a tour operator, please contact us for STO rates

  • TRIP INCLUDES

    Private transfers and the services of a private walking guide

    Transport of personal and group equipment

    Mineral water, trail snacks and refreshments during hiking activities

    1 x Breakfast, 2 x Lunches & 1 x Dinner, including mineral water and hot beverages

    Limited wine and beer at dinner and sundowner cocktails

    Entrance fees to Boulders Beach and the Cape Point Nature Reserve

    Access to Active Africa personal hiking equipment – cold weather gear, trekking poles, back packs, water bottles.

  • TRIP EXCLUDES

    Flying Dutchman Funicular tickets at Cape Point

    Personal purchases

    Additional alcoholic beverages

    Guide Gratuities

  • YOU SHOULD KNOW

    While the trails are not technical, there is no vehicle support once on the trail to assist guests who no longer wish to participate.

    All personal and group equipment is portered to the beach cottage by our team – guests need only hike with a light day pack.

    SANParks levies a R1000 surcharge on the cottage between December 8th and January 17th.

    Most dietary requirements can be catered for provided ample advance notice is given, although please note that strict Kosher or Halaal diets may be limited and attract a surcharge.

    The winter months (June – September) can be cold and wet, but this often does not detract from the beauty of the hikes. December and January can be very windy in the reserve, but again, this does not normally affect hiking.

    Please note that while this tour can be offered any day of the week, over weekends and during school holidays cottage availability can be limited and we advise booking well in advance to avoid any disappointment

     

  • GRADING

    The trails chosen for this breakaway can be adapted to varying fitness levels. The coastal trails can be steep and rocky with some long stretches of sandy beach on some.

    We recommend that hikers have moderate walking fitness and good balance.

    • Day 1: Moderate.  Expect mostly undulating trails on both rocky paths and sandy shorelines, with the occasional short but steep ascent or descent on route.  4 to 5hrs, 9km.
    • Day 2: Moderate.  Sandy beach and softly undulating trails, with a short ascent and descent over rocky trails towards the end of the hike.  3 to 4hrs, 7km

     

  • FACT SHEET

    For takeaway information, please download our Overnight in Cape Point Reserve fact sheet

  • ACCOMMODATION

    The Olifantsbos Cottage is a South African National Parks facility. It is a simple and basic beach cottage, pleasantly appointed with individual rooms featuring comfortable beds and linen, gas-heated hot showers, a shared bathroom and a comfortable living area both indoors and out.

    The cottage can accommodate 12 people including the guide, although due to the configuration of the rooms and facilities, this experience is best suited for a maximum of 6 guests. The cottage is booked for private use – guests will not be sharing the facility with other guests.

    Please note that there is no Wi-Fi and limited mobile phone reception in this location.

     

Cottage at Cape of Good Hope - interior
Cottage at Cape of Good Hope - beach

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